Always good to get one’s ducks in a row and these guys certainly seemed to have nailed it.
On the other hand…
That’s just showing off!
More than I can say for the power company here – Eskom.
They are calling it load shedding, a term I’ve not heard since the 60’s. Back then, it made the tele picture go wobbly, but here the power goes off completely, twice a day…
But Terry is, as ever, prepared. Except when his marvellous tip-you-up chair gets stuck in the fully reclined position! But he remains cheerful as we discuss the headline: Old man trapped in electric chair..
The cuts usually last a couple of hours each and this is happening all over South Africa. Word is, years of little or no maintenance is to blame and has led to such drastic measures.
There’s also some shocking allegations being bandied about. I’ve read that over a 14 year period, production has remained flat, employment increased by 50% and the average annual salary quadrupled.
Interesting way to run a business.
All the more reason to get out and about…
Schoenmakerskop.
I think that translates to shoemaker’s town, so Northampton on sea..?
Hardly. It’s one row of houses and a café. There’s plenty of parking, strategic seating at viewpoints and good steps down to the beach. I gave them the swerve though, bearing in mind the company I am keeping.
So, I’ve been to the beach, sort of, but not felt the sand between my toes. Yet.
Another drive out…
To a wild flower reserve – sadly largely charred after the wild fires. There’s every chance this will regenerate though – see here for how – just not the best time to visit.
Great views though…
Van Stadens bridge.
We took the pass, which winds you right down to the bottom of the gorge, so you look up at this bridge (the main freeway) before climbing out the other side. Breath-taking stuff.
Closer to home…
The sparrows are nesting.
And, as I type, it’s raining fairly hard – that’s always welcome here – thunder and lightning too. I love a good storm.
Be interesting to look at the rain gauge tomorrow and see just how much we got. Sounds significant to me.
Never seen these in flower before…
And the obligatory sunset…
Over the estuary.
From planet John…
Lotus bud.
And…
Loving this.
Both from a visit to a garden somewhere near Stellenbosch.
In John’s own garden…
A Moonflower.
If you don’t like creepy-crawlies, look away now…
Scorpion. Found under his grandson’s cot! They do live in the desert mind at Touws River – or Toast River as I like to call it.
Puff Adder…
Shedding its skin.
Oh so cute…
Little stripy mice.
Cape Chameleon…
Found at the nearby dam…
At a local steampunk museum…
I so want to go there.
Remember Zola…
I promised an after shot but not quite there yet, so this is during…
Much more like it. Now that’s attitude.
Good work Helene.
A lovely African image…
Louis, happy in his work. Nice half lap joint, using machete only.
This post wouldn’t be complete without…
Pilchards. But not as we know them.
I must now get my own ducks in a row and pay some attention to that little project of mine.
Tick-tock.
Boatbird 
Fabulous photos, as usual, although I can do without creepies and snakes, thankyou. Zola is looking very good.
Just trying to balance the good with the bad..!
Zola was at that point when most people would have put her down… Do s real result.
Have you tried those sub standard pilchards yet? Any other delicacies to tempt one?
Looks like all going along very nicely. Enjoy
Leaving them to John as I don’t have his third world immunity..!
Been cooking with Terry this evening and about to sample his signature dish – macaroni bake with corned beef, cheese, tomatoes, onions and a whole lot of other stuff! Will report back.